Maldives Airports Company Limited has reduced the price of jet fuel at Velana International Airport following discussions with the government, after a recent increase raised concerns over airline costs and ticket prices.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said the reduction followed negotiations between the government and MACL, which operates the country’s main international airport. The price of jet fuel has now been lowered to USD 1.44 per litre, after MACL raised the rate from USD 1.19 to USD 1.69 per litre in March.
The earlier increase, amounting to around 42 percent, came amid higher global fuel prices linked to disruptions in supply routes and wider uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict. MACL had said the price adjustment was necessary due to the sharp rise in international fuel costs.
According to Minister Ameen, the reduction is intended to ease pressure on airlines operating to the Maldives. Higher fuel prices had contributed to increased airfares, raising concerns for the tourism sector at a time when air connectivity remains central to visitor arrivals.
The Maldives’ exposure to fuel price volatility is closely tied to its dependence on imported refined petroleum products. The State Trading Organization, which supplies jet fuel to MACL, mainly imports refined petroleum products from Oman, leaving the country vulnerable to supply shocks from regional tensions.
The government has previously said it is exploring ways to diversify fuel supply sources in order to reduce exposure to future disruptions.
Minister Ameen also indicated that easing tensions and the reopening of air corridors in the Middle East could support a gradual recovery in the coming weeks. He said some airlines had already decided to increase flights to the Maldives, with more expected to follow if operating conditions improve.
